Officers said the man from Scranton tried to sell the carts for scrap and Weitsman’s called the police.

Iacavazzi denies they are stolen.

“No,” Iacavazzi said. “A couple carts I dumped off. I go though alleys and get scrap. That’s where you get it at. People buy the carts.”

While Iacavazzi questions his arrest, police said Price Rite on Luzerne Street has been targeted numerous times.

The manager said 70 carts were stolen in the last couple months. Each one costs the store $125.

Police think Iacavazzi is responsible for at least some of the thefts.

Shoppers are shocked that carts are a target for thieves.

“Everyone is trying to get a dollar now a days. They think they’re feeding their family, even though it’s a crime, it’s wrong,” said Trudy Lipinski.

“It’s ridiculous. What are you going to do with a grocery cart? I can understand borrowing it and bringing it back or whatever if you have to walk home, but to steal them, that’s ridiculous,” said Carlos Agueda.

Redner’s Warehouse on Seventh Avenue has had some carts stolen too. Police said workers there spotted the Price Rite carts in the back of a truck this time. That led to the arrest later in the day.